Prime Minister Najib Razak has once again stressed that Sabah is forever, a part of the Malaysian Federation.

As such, he said, the people of Sabah were citizens of Malaysia and the government would defend the independence, sovereignty and integrity of Malaysia's territory from any intrusion.

"We will not allow even an inch of Malaysian soil to be seized by anyone. This is the commitment of the government of today," he said when tabling the Annual Report of the National Transformation Programme in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said the violence in Lahad Datu was a reminder to the nation against taking it easy on security. "Having enjoyed peace and stability for a long time should not be a reason for us not to be alert.

"The tragedy in Sabah saw the deaths of 10 members of the national security forces. Eight comprised policemen and the rest were soldiers," he said.

The prime minister said, the sacrifices of the national warriors were not small and should not be ridiculed.

On the other hand, the results of their sacrifices, as during the era of the emergency and insurgency, had enabled the people to enjoy progress and peace until today.

In this context, Najib reminded certain parties who tried to belittle the contributions of the members of the security forces to learn to be appreciative and thankful for the deeds of those who fought for the beloved nation.

"Think of the parents who go through their old age without them by their side, remember the wives who became widows and children who lost the sweet caress of their fathers.

"To them, we promise that the nation will always honour their deeds and sacrifices," he said.

- Bernama